Which fader ND and what size?

Futchibon

Futchibon

Well-known member
Hi guys,

I've got a gh13 and the 20mm 1.7 lens, and am planning to get the 14-140 and also something like an FD 50mm 1.8.

I want to get a Fader ND but know nothing about them (coming from a DVX I'm still getting used to lenses and DSLRs in general:undecided)

I THINK the thread sizes are 46mm (20mm), 52mm (FD 50mm) and 62mm (14-140) but can anyone confirm this?

So should I get a 52mm or 58mm fader ND like this one?: (Apparently Bloom reccomended this)

http://www.lightcraftworkshop-shop.com/product/47

Or is this one better at more than twice the price?:

http://faderfilters.com/products-pa...ader-hd-52mm-variable-neutral-density-filter/

Ot does anyone reccomend any other brands? Or should I go with something else than a Fader ND?

MANY THANKS
 
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if you get one 62mm you can use step up rings on the smaller lenses - so you only need to buy 1 (that's what I did.)

I have the lightcraft and am happy with it for what I do (home stuff.) But semi-pros round here... some of them feel it lowers picture quality and go for the very expensive Singh Ray ones. Lot of money though....
 
Get the 62mm fader or larger. I use the 72/77 (they're bigger on outer end) and have been very happy with it. The only lens I have that is bigger than that is too long to use with polarizers anyway. You can always use cheap rings to step up, but if you step down, you're more likely to vignette.
 
With any variable ND my advice is to go with a 77mm and use step-up rings because you never know what lenses you may buy in the future and that size will pretty much cover everything. An added plus with a 77mm is you won't have to worry about vignetting.

Also, I would strongly recommend doing a search here on "Fader ND tests" before you purchase one of those. There are lots of varied opinions and it would be wise to make an informed decision. My original purchase of Fader NDs was influenced by the Philip Bloom piece too. And I was satisfied with them for awhile. You can read the results of my recent testing and why I've since changed my mind here: http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=220890

After my tests, I was pretty much bummed on the whole idea of variable NDs and was seriously considering just buying separate high-quality ND filters. But my style of shooting, and shooting mostly outdoors in changing light conditions really begs for a variable ND. So I've since spent quite a bit of time doing additional research and am about to bite the bullet (and empty my wallet) on either the Singh-Ray Vari-ND or the Vari-N-Duo.

BTW, my search for quality individual ND filters revealed that Singh-Ray filters are generally highly regarded. So I figured that might hold true for their Vari-ND as well and decided to check that out more thoroughly. And I'm glad I did. They aren't cheap and so certainly not for everyone, but I have yet to read any negative comments about the Singh-Rays other than it being expensive. And I can live with having spent more money far easier than the knowledge that my images are compromised.

You'll see a lot about DIY solutions. And I'm sure they work fine for some. In my case, I prefer something that's thin, and quick and smooth to adjust with reference marks included.
 
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tflak-

Please let us all know how the Singh-Ray performs. I appreciate your frankness about your results with the Fader, as I know you were formerly a fan. I've been very pleased with mine, but I admittedly have not looked at it with a fine tooth comb. I've seen no color casts or noticed no softness, but I only use it on focal lengths 50mm and shorter. For my shooting style, a variable is the only answer most of the time. If the Singh-Ray is worth the extra money, I would like to know.
 
Yup - some side by side tests would be interesting... though even if it was a bit better than the light craft I still wouldn't shell out a few hundred quid just for a filter :)
 
You could also consider making a DIY one with a linear polarizer screwed on a circular polarizer (the circular polarizer screws onto the lens itself). I've done this and it beats the Fader ND mark I at shots over 50mm.
 
Trucci said:
You could also consider making a DIY one with a linear polarizer screwed on a circular polarizer (the circular polarizer screws onto the lens itself). I've done this and it beats the Fader ND mark I at shots over 50mm.
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate?
 
Chon's explanation is perfect. I use tape instead of an elastic band though, but I'm sure both would work equally well. Make sure the filters are bigger than the lens if you want to avoid vignetting.

I made a comparison yesterday. My DIY version is using HOYA filters. I used my Nikon Series E 100mm prime at f2.8. The Fader ND is not out of focus, it's just really blurry at long focal lengths.

Both the DIY and FaderND will add a greenish cast to your shot, but you can make it go away by white balancing each time you put on the filter.

ndcompare.jpg
 
i bought the 77mm thin Singh ray as the cheaper genus was out of stock at B&H. it works great and cannot imagine having to use stacked ND's after using the fader. i have heard great reviews on the cheaper lightworks as well.

one note of caution the thin Singh ray has no front filter thread something that annoyed the hell out of me for not checking after dropping $400.
 
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